Information Architecture (IA) Conundrum

Experts feel numerous doubts surrounds the role of IA, as their activities overlap with many other peoples’ work, skills and situations in the same industry (Patrick, 2007, p 1). From a work practice point of view their role can be considered to ensure the logical arrangement of content to facilitate easy access to the information for the user depending on the digital environment, whether website development or mobile site development or any other usability (software) device development. So, IA helps to manage the site more easily. However, the ambiguity regarding IA’s role can be explained in terms individuals working as IAs have a variety of educational background, and the context like the size, space and device using IA is ever changing (Robertson, et al., 2007, pp 396-397). Also the concept of this profession is nascent, which is yet to develop and reach its potential (Leung, 2008). Albeit, there are a lot commonalities associated with others’ roles vis-à-vis those of an IA, one thing is certain and that is IA has to concentrate on the design of the device and visualize the concept in a plausible manner for others to realize it and ensure its completion. IAs need to plan the mapping, build storyboards or wireframes, construct prototype, coordinate with stakeholders, and liaison with content providers, when working in digital environment. These roles are exercised by Web managers, but a Project manager or producer can also execute these roles (Patrick, 2007, p 5). In such case the IA person gets to be at the apex and he decides. Earlier researches have shown that IAs are involved in researches conducted for developing the product such UI design and communication of information (Robertson, et al., 2007, p 398).

References: -

Kennedy, P. 2007, The many faces of information architecture, Step two Designs Pty Ltd, Sydney, viewed 12 March 2009, <>

Lueng, L. & Waters, M. 2008, ‘Architects of the Physical and Virtual: Parallel Design Principles in Built and Digital Environments’ in L. Leung (ed), Digital Experience Design: Ideas, Industries, Interaction, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, Illinois, pp. 93-99.

Robertson, T., Hewlett, C., Harvey, S. & Edwards, J. 2003, ‘”A role with no edges”: The work practices of Information Architectures’, Proceedings of HCI International 2003, vol. 1, pp. 396-400.